In a dramatic turn of events surrounding the late actress Kim Sae-ron, actor Kim Soo-hyun has vehemently denied allegations of having had an inappropriate relationship with her when she was a minor. The allegations surfaced during a press conference held by Kim Sae-ron's bereaved family on May 7, 2025, at a venue in Gangnam, Seoul. The family, represented by attorney Boo Ji-seok of the law firm Buyu, announced that they have filed a lawsuit against Kim Soo-hyun for violating the Child Welfare Act and for false accusations.
During the press conference, attorney Boo claimed that Kim Soo-hyun had maintained a relationship with Kim Sae-ron since she was in her second year of middle school, asserting that he engaged in inappropriate conduct with her. "Kim Soo-hyun has been accused of making Kim Sae-ron perform lewd acts and sexual harassment," Boo stated, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
In response, Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, issued a strong rebuttal. They claimed that the allegations were unfounded and that the evidence presented, including purported recordings of Kim Sae-ron, were fabricated using artificial intelligence technology. Gold Medalist's legal representative, lawyer Kim Jong-bok, stated, "The recordings claimed to be from Kim Sae-ron are completely forged. We have determined that they were created using AI, and we are currently conducting technical verification to confirm this. We will share the results as soon as they are available."
Adding to the complexity of the case, the bereaved family asserted that the informant who provided the recordings had been assaulted. Kim Se-ui, representing the Garosero Institute, claimed that the informant was attacked by two assailants on January 10, 2025, which corresponds to May 1, 2025, in South Korea. He alleged that the informant had been threatened and offered a substantial sum of money to retract their statements regarding the recordings.
During the press conference, Kim Se-ui described the incident as a clear case of conspiracy to commit murder, stating that the FBI is now involved in the investigation, rather than local law enforcement. He emphasized, "This is a serious matter that requires immediate attention. The informant received a threatening call demanding 450 million won in exchange for the nude photos of Kim Sae-ron, and when they refused, they were attacked."
In a separate press conference, YouTuber Lee Jin-ho refuted the claims made by the bereaved family, suggesting that the allegations were part of a larger manipulation. He described the situation as being centered around a fraudulent individual who had fabricated the voice files related to Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron, further asserting that the recordings were not authentic and had been created after April 2025.
As the situation escalates, Kim Soo-hyun's agency has announced intentions to file charges against the bereaved family and the Garosero Institute for defamation, cyberbullying, and other related offenses. They stated, "We are prepared to take legal action for defamation and violations of the law regarding information protection. We will do everything in our power to ensure that those responsible are held accountable under the law."
The allegations have sparked significant media attention, raising questions about the implications of AI technology in legal disputes and the potential for misinformation to cause harm. As the investigation continues, both sides are preparing for a protracted legal battle, with the truth of the matter remaining clouded in controversy.
In the midst of this turmoil, the bereaved family has also expressed concerns for their safety, claiming that threats have been made against them as they pursue justice for Kim Sae-ron. They have called for thorough investigations into the threats and the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault on their informant.
The case highlights the intersection of celebrity culture, legal accountability, and the ethical use of technology in the digital age. As public interest grows, the unfolding drama serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in navigating allegations of misconduct, particularly when they involve vulnerable individuals.
As both sides prepare for what promises to be a contentious legal battle, the public remains captivated by the unfolding story. The outcome of this case could have lasting ramifications not only for the individuals involved but also for the broader discourse on the protection of minors and the responsible use of technology in media.
In conclusion, the allegations against Kim Soo-hyun and the subsequent legal actions taken by the bereaved family of Kim Sae-ron are set against a backdrop of serious concerns regarding the treatment of minors in the entertainment industry and the potential for abuse of power. As more details emerge, the public will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how this complex situation unfolds.
